Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure To reach your hands and feet, blood has to leave your heart (Left Ventricle) under very high pressure.

Blood Pressure The aorta has the highest pressure. (100mm Hg) As the blood gets farther away and the blood vessels get smaller, the pressure decreases. The capillaries have a much lower blood pressure. (35mm Hg) The lowest pressure is in the Vena Cava. (2 mm Hg)

Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure is a ratio Highest Pressure = when the ventricles = contract SYSTOLIC Lowest Pressure = when the ventricles = relax DIASTOLIC

Blood Pressure

Measured with a sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Measured with a sphygmomanometer

How does the sphygmomanometer work? It’s an inflatable cuff that cuts off the circulation in your arm When the pressure drops, you can HEAR blood forcing through the artery with a stethoscope (Systolic) When you HEAR NOTHING, it means blood is flowing easily with no resistance in the arteries. (Diastolic)

Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure of teenager Ranges between 120/70 and 115/75

What can affect your blood pressure? Volume of blood Heart Rate Diameter of arteries Loss of elasticity of arteries Viscosity of blood

High Blood Pressure = Hypertension Increases risk of heart failure and cerebral hemorrhage or stroke

Smoking & Hypertension Smoking causes high blood pressure Thickens blood Speeds up the heart Constricts the blood vessels Over time, causes loss of elasticity of arteries

Stress & Hypertension Stress causes high blood pressure Stimulates adrenal gland which speed up the heart rate Constricts blood vessels